Study in Canada | Apply to a Canadian University

With its reputable education system, welcoming culture and beautiful landscape, studying in Canada could be a great choice for you. Whether you’re attracted to its diverse—and comparatively inexpensive to US universities— education system, or just wish to see what it might be like to live there long term, finding great universities in Canada might be within your reach.

Why Study in Canada?

If you’re interested in using your university years to live and explore an exciting new place, Canada might have a lot to offer you. Canada is a welcoming country, which values the quality of life its residents enjoy, its famously congenial nature, and a diverse culture. For some students, it may offer a study abroad experience that feels like home, as Canada has a lot in common with other Western cultures like the United States.

Canada’s historical ties to both the United Kingdom and France also make it a great place to improve both your English and French skills. You might be able to enroll in a university program in either language, not to mention enjoy valuable opportunities to practice your language skills in the real world.

Interested in the outdoors? In terms of actual physical size, Canada is the second largest country in the world, ranging from the Atlantic to the Pacific, all the way up to the Arctic Circle. Much its land is undisturbed nature, making it a great place to practice your favorite outdoors sports, like hiking, backpacking, or kayaking when you’re not working on your university program. And if your tastes run more towards city life, Canada has you covered there too. Canada boasts a number of active, multicultural cities, like Toronto and Vancouver, making it possible to stick to the urban life and have an equally enriching experience. Whatever your interests, Canada may hold a perfect university program for you.

What Is It Like to Study at a University in Canada?

One unique aspect of the Canadian post-secondary education system is its relatively diverse styles. Why are universities potentially so different depending where you are? Because, in Canada, responsibility for regulating and overseeing post-secondary education is assigned to each province by the constitution. That means that the specific laws, funding, and structures of each university depend in part on the province in which the campus is situated. (There are a few exceptions to this, such as the Royal Military College of Canada and education issues related to members of aboriginal communities.)

Regardless of location, many universities in Canada emphasize research and hands on experience, which may give you the opportunity to put your new skills and knowledge into practice. And don’t forget, you may also have the opportunity to study in, or continue to learn, both English and French. Whether you are seeking to earn your bachelors in Canada, or earn a masters or doctoral degree, there may be a great option at Canadian universities for you.

You may also find a university education in Canada to be more affordable than in your home country, depending on where you come from. On top of having great universities, the savings on tuition and cost of living might be a compelling reason for some international students to study in Canada. And if you are a Canadian citizen, you might save even more. With so many compelling reasons to attend, it's no surprise you might not be the only international student in your program. Canada is a multicultural society to begin with. Add in other international students to befriend, live with and study alongside, and this diversity may be compounded.

Things to Consider When Preparing to Study in Canada

Getting ready to go to university is a big process no matter where you’re going. If you’re preparing to attend university in another country, that might add even more things to your list. To help, here are a few things to remember when you’re embarking on that journey:

Study Permit – To study in Canada for more than six months, you’ll need to obtain a study permit. If you also need a visa, you can get that at the same time. In order to qualify for a study permit, you’ll need to be able to show that you’ve already been accepted to a university, that you have enough money to cover your tuition and other needs while in Canada, and proof of identity.

Budgeting – As stated above, you’ll need to be able to show you can cover the essentials during your stay in order to obtain a study permit. This means you may want to figure out your financing sooner rather than later. In addition to paying your tuition, depending on your school and living situation, you might need to pay for housing, food, utilities, transportation, books and supplies, and more - in addition to potential emergencies, travel, and leisure activities. Sound overwhelming? If you need extra spending money, your study permit may allow you to get a part time job while you’re there.

Making Sure You Can Work – If you do want to obtain part time employment while studying in Canada, make sure you have the right study permit that allows you to do so. Luckily, if your study permit does not allow this, you can request an amendment, or, if necessary, apply to change the conditions of your permit. You’ll also need to get a Social Insurance Number before you can apply for a job.

Getting Insurance – As an international student, you’ll probably need to obtain health insurance. You might be able to do this through your school of choice, or with their guidance. In addition, if you’re renting an apartment, you might be considering things like renter’s insurance. Check with your chosen program for additional guidance and details.

Find and Apply to a Canadian University

Are you ready to start searching for great programs to study in Canada? UniversitiesAbroad.com wants to help! No matter what your degree level or preferred subject area, great Canadian university programs might be waiting for you. We’ve collected a list of great programs for you to consider. If you’d like to narrow these down, you might filter by your preferred degree level. Once you’re ready, start reading about potential programs, and reach out to the ones that sound promising for more information!